Respondents of both sexes expressed concern that they had not been taken seriously by health workers as they sought to overcome issues affecting their sex lives, such as a lack of sexual desire or physical issues.

The participants said they were told that there was "little help available" adding that they "often feel that you shouldn't be concerned 'at your age'."

One man in his eighties said he was refused Viagra by his GP because it was "too expensive".

The authors wrote: "In addition to the challenges around talking about sexual activities with health professionals, the comments made also suggest that when both men and women had raised concerns about their sexual health these were not taken seriously, or that they were dismissed on the grounds of age."

They added: "The findings demonstrate how more proactive discussions around sexual function and activities, particularly in the context of long-term health problems, can benefit the health and wellbeing of older people.

Study co-author David Lee, research fellow from the University of Manchester, said: "Appreciating individual and personal perspectives around sexuality and sexual health is of paramount importance if we are to improve sexual health services for older people."